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Bye-Bye Berlin, Hello Prague

After six full information packed days in Berlin and countless miles walked, we reluctantly packed things up and headed South towards Prague. On our way out we stopped at Potsdam, just south of Berlin to visit the famous “Park Sanssouci Palace” complex. Yes, I said complex… this massive park like area contains a number of very impressive Palaces, two of which were built by Frederick The Great. It’s hard to believe that people could actually live in such extreme decadence when so many unfortunate citizens suffered in poverty.  We did a quick drive-by of Dresden on our way South. Dresden was a major cultural centre and was once considered the Florence of the north. This city was virtually obliterated by a firebomb raid on the night of February 13, 1945 by thousands of allied bombers. Rebuilt yes, but I don’t think it’s the city it once was, another example of great loss of life and culture. As we moved on, a few other pop-up surprises along these secondary highways made this drive very interesting. We pulled into Prague later on in the afternoon and managed to find a nice campground inside the main city limits only a short metro ride from old town. We ventured in late this morning to check it out and literally spent the rest of the entire day walking around in a total state of “awe-ness” at it’s historical grand beauty and vibrant beehive atmosphere. This city with all it’s little shops and restaurants is truly a gem that has somehow weathered the stormy past and survived virtually intact. Ornate buildings that date back many hundreds of years, and twisty cobble stone streets that make you feel as if you should be riding through them in a horse drawn carriage. This place is truly worth seeing in person as photos just don’t do it justice. Tomorrow we plan on spending the entire day exploring the magnificent Royal Palace that overlooks the city and is considered the largest in Europe.

One last look at the Brandenburg Gate
Good bye Berlin!… Love being on the road again!
The “Communs” – working part of the “New” Palace
The “New” Palace
Kaiser Wihelm II signed the order of mobilization here in August 1914
A priceless porcelain chandelier and gold backdrop
Frederick the Great’s Summer Palace “Sanssouci”
Courtyard entrance into Sanssouci
On the road again
An old citadel (Fortress) along the way
Lovely family run campground in Prague
Great pizza just down the street
Morning coffee in Prague
Such a beautiful day
The Old Town Bridge and Tower
A “Good Luck” touch
Walking up the old winding streets to the castle
Always fun to discover a market
The back stairway leading up to the castle
The Gothic Castle Cathedral
The main castle hall
Nicely matching father and son suits
Homes and shops along the inside of the castle wall
One “Pork Knuckle” was plenty said the waiter. Great Czech beer too
The end of a wonderful day